Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.
Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.
Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.
The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.
Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
The Harvin Co Brass Federal Branch Leg Ball and Claw Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Harvin Co Brass Federal Style Branch Leg Ball and Claw Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Item features branch legs, ball and claw feet, original stamp, quality American craftsmanship,...
Brass, Iron
19th Century English Country Diorama Wall Plaque in Federal Style
Located in Queens, NY
American Country style (19th Century) painted diorama wall plaque with clipper ship and American ship painted on back in mahogany frame encased in a wood and glass case.
Glass
A Fine Highly Figured Federal Style Pier Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A more diminutive Federal style Pier Mirror with traditional form and particularly rich color and graining. Highly figured mahogany pier mirror with a dimensional crest and two facet...
Mirror, Mahogany
Antique English Federal Brass Branch Leg Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Federal Brass Branch Leg Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 19.5" H x 9" W x 18" D.
Brass
American Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Tall Clock by Rufus Cole
Located in Essex, MA
A Rare and Complete American Federal Tall Case Clock. Riley Whiting Wooden Works, original. A Rufus Cole Grain-Painted and Stenciled Case. S...
Pine
Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
By Beacon Hill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
Mahogany
19th Century American Federal Eglomise Mirror
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal Mirror. Giltwood and Eglomise in Neoclassical Style. Original gilding. Wonderful Urn Pediment. Ex New England Colle...
Glass, Giltwood
Early 19th Century Federal Period American Red Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Wiscasset, ME
An early 19th century New England Federal period tall chest in old red paint featuring five graduated dovetailed drawers and retaining original brasses. Molded base with heavy turne...
Wood
Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Over Mantle , 1900s
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / console / Pier mirror, 1900s A finely carved versatile mirror that can be used on the floor or over the mantle, console or hanging on ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Americanl Framed Print of Two Soldiers Near A Cannon
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century black framed print of two 18th Century soldiers in green uniform with on standing on a horse. \"Rhode Island Train of Artillary\" (similar to: NWL7295B, NWL7295A...
American Print Of Two Soldiers with Green Uniform
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century black framed print of two 18th Century soldiers in green uniform with on standing on a horse.\"Moylans Light Dragoons\" (similar to: NWL7295A, NWL7295C, NWL7295D)
Antique Country Painted Blanket Chest or Coffee Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique American country blanket chest in beautiful original aged distressed blue painted surface. Iron handles at sides. Key for lock is no longer available. The open interior compa...
Iron
19th Century American Federal Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal style 19th century mahogany chest of drawers with 2 lower drawers above dummy drawers having a lift top with replaced brass...
Mahogany
Vintage Sheraton Federal Mahogany Magazine Rack Book Stand Side End Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheraton Federal Style Mahogany Magazine Rack Book Stand Side End Table. Item features solid brass hardware and one drawer. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 27" H x 18...
Mahogany
Zabihi Collection beige Blue Color Pictorial Antique Chinese Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century Chinese Peking carpet with an animal motif in beige and blue circa 1910, measures: 3' x 5'8".
Wool
Kittinger Double Pedestal SOLID Mahogany 1x24" Extension Board Leaf MINT!
By Kittinger
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Kittinger Double Pedestal Solid Mahogany 1x24" Extension Board Leaf MINT! 1x 24" leaf with an extended table length of 104".
Mahogany
Vintage Polished Brass Mail Slot and Door Knocker
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add a touch of vintage antique charm to your entry front door with this "Two-in-One" brass mail slot and door knocker. Ready to mount. Screws not inclu...
Brass
American Federal Gilt and Ebonized Dolphin Foliage Convex Mirror. Circa 1800
By A. Belokopytoff
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt carved wood convex mirror with a perched intertwined dolphin on a rocky ledge, ebonized reeded banding, circular ball m...
Gesso, Glass, Wood, Ebony, Giltwood
19th Century American Letter Fragment and Copper Coins, Federal Style
Located in Queens, NY
American (19th Cent) fragment of antique paper with handwritten script and numerical calculations framed in a burgundy mat above two copper coins in a blue mat mounted in a gold wood...
Copper
19th Century Federal Print of Letters with Oval Portrait in Gold Frame
Located in Queens, NY
American (19th Century) copy collection of two letters from the 1830s in a white mat with a central oval printed portrait of a gentleman (Otis Cafron) in a gold wooden frame.
Gold
Vintage Council Craftsman Mahogany Pembroke Side Table - Refinished!
By Councill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
A finely crafted Councill Craftsmen Pembroke style inlaid mahogany side table, circa 1980s, showcasing exceptional traditional craftsmanship and elegant neoclassical detailing. The b...
Brass
Large Rectangle Round Corners Flip Top Dining Breakfast Table Rosewood Banding
By Kittinger Furniture Company, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Rectangle Round Corners Flip Top Dining Breakfast Table Rosewood Banding Over Mahogany MINT!
Brass
Early 20th C Federal Style Hand Carved Mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-top Tea Table
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a magnificent Federal Style (or Federal Revival) early 20th century bench made solid mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-Top Tea Table with birdcage action. The top is exceptionally...
Mahogany
Vintage Federal Style Polished Brass Candlestick Small Vanity Table Lamps a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Federal Style Polished Brass Candlestick Small Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 25.5" H (to finial) x 17" H (to light socket) x5" W x 5" D. {3-Way...
Brass
Yew Wood Drop Leaves Two Drawers Low Profile Brass Feet Desk Console Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Yew Wood Drop Leaves Two Drawers Low Profile Brass Feet Desk Console Table MINT 2x 11" leaves with an extended table length of 63".
Brass
Antique Federal Mahogany Work Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique Federal mahogany worktable with lower tier, two drawers with later brass pulls with Lion motif, well carved spiral twist legs and the whole resting upon brass casters. Lac...
Brass
James Madison Signed Scallop Top Ship’s Passport, Dated September 8, 1810
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This rare ship’s passport, dated September 8, 1810, is signed by James Madison as President and countersigned by Robert Smith, Secretary of State. The vellum document, partially engr...
Paper
$1,650 / set
Pair Antique Brass Cannonball Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Bold form distinguish this pair of Antique Andirons. Large heavy andirons with cannonball tops mounted on thick square supports. The angled legs with flat feet, the back brass bars a...
Brass
Federal Style Vintage Mahogany and Gilded Table by Bevan-Funnell
Located in Wichita, KS
Elegant vintage Federal-style table crafted in rich mahogany with refined gilded accents. This classic form features beautifully balanced proportions, a warm, luminous finish, and a ...
Wood, Mahogany, Giltwood
1900 Gilt Bronze Federal Style Large Sconces 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
1900 Federal style Caldwell 3 lights bronze sconces unusual large size
Bronze
Large 88" Wide Beveled Glass Gold Leaf Back Paint Decorated Break Front Cabinet
By Baker Furniture Company, Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large 88" Wide Beveled Glass Gold Leaf Back Paint Decorated Break Front Cabinet MINT!
Brass
Federal Style, Chandelier, Bronze, Ebony, Europe, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
Federal Style, Bronze Angel Motif Chandelier, Bronze, Ebony, Europe, 1960s A nicely case bronze and ebony chandelier in the Federal taste. The body having a strong bronze form with ...
Bronze
Flip Top Mahogany One Drawer Console Game Sofa Breakfast Top MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Flip Top Mahogany One Drawer Console Game Sofa Breakfast Top MINT
Mahogany
Antique Federal Faceted Brass Cannonball Branch Foot Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Faceted Brass Cannonball Branch Foot Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair. Item features a large impressive size, ball and claw branch feet, great original patina, faceted can...
Brass
18th Century American Two Over Three Chest of Drawers
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of an 18th American chest of drawers in a two over three configuration, possibly a converted highboy top of Boston origin, with added finished molded top, original bra...
Brass
Beacon Hill Collection Federal Reproduction Mahogany Planter Table
By Beacon Hill
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A 1950s Federal reproduction planter table by Beacon Hill Collection. The table features a wonderful serpentine mahogany veneer top, elegant tape...
Copper
Very Fine Mother of Pearl Decorated 24" Round Side Lamp Table Stand
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Mother of Pearl Decorated 24" Round Side Lamp Table Stand
Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany
Pair Louis XV Style Antique Brass and Iron Andirons, Circa 1880s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Louis XV Style Antique Brass and Iron Andirons, Circa 1880s. Measures 10" in width, 21" in depth and 16.5" in height.
Brass, Iron
A Federal Mahogany Mirror with Eagle Motif, American ca. 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Federal Mahogany Mirror with Gilt Eagle Crest and Bronze Dore Accents.
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
White Blue Color Pictorial Antique Chinese Oriental Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid20th-century Chinese Peking carpet with an animal motif in white and blue circa 1950, measures: 3'1' x 5'8".
Wool
$675 / set
Pair Of Federal Style Brass Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Ball top with cylindrical support. Curved legs and ball feet. Fire dogs with brass ball finials. Newly polished.
Brass, Iron
American Chippendale Mahogany Chest on Chest, Early 20th Century, USA
Located in Queens, NY
American Chippendale style mahogany chest on chest cabinet with 7 drawers below 3 shell carved small drawers with flame form finials and broken pe...
Mahogany
$3,900 / set
Pair of Mirrored Wall Sconces with Stars
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of antique raw metal Federal style wall sconces with classic convex mirrors and star burst tops all in a chic tight form. As seen in th...
Metal
20th Century American Federal Print: Officer Silhouette Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal print portrait in silhouette of a gentleman in a distressed gold frame
Paper
Set of 4 Elegant Tapered Legs Mahogany Federal Nesting Side End Tables MINT
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 4 Elegant Tapered Legs Mahogany Federal Nesting Side End Tables MINT
Mahogany
19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs and feet
Located in Richmond, VA
Great little 19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs, feet and 2 board top
Cherry
Pair of 19th Century Oil Painting Portraits, Gilt Framed, American
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of gilt framed oil painting portraits of a 19th Century man and lady.
Canvas
20th Century American Federal Portrait Painting in Gilt Frame
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal gilt framed oil portrait painting of man in black holding large white paper
Paint
American Federal Maple Candlestand
Located in Essex, MA
Circular fixed top with umbrella shaped inlay of exotic woods. Turned support with tripod splayed legs.
Maple
Hand-Painted Portrait of Puccini, Federal Style, Late 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a portrait painting titled "Portrait Puccini" showing woman in black dress with white lace rummaging through jewelry chest
Paint
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 25.25" H x 12.5" W x 8.75" D.
Marble, Brass
Set of 4 American Federal Side Chairs, Tiger Maple, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
4 American Country Federal style (19th Cent) tiger maple side chairs with a stretcher and rush seat (PRICED EACH)
Maple
American Tavern Table, Pine and Poplar, Scrub Top, Circa 1800
Located in Hudson, NY
Very handsome scrub top work table or Tavern table. Retaining all of the original surface and it's beautiful breadboard top. Made in both Pine and poplar, this table is very solid an...
Pine, Poplar
American Mahogany Federal Work Table with Barley Twist Legs on Casters, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany Federal two drawer hinged work table with a ratcheted white pine writing surface, fitted interior for ink wells, original brass sandwich glass knobs, lower connecti...
Brass
American Mahogany and Cherry Stenciled Gilt Hinged Game Table, PA. Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany and cherry hinged game table with a one board top, central carved floral basket, stenciled gilt turned ringed center column, and resting on scrolled acanthu...
Brass
Pair of Early 20th Century Federal Brass and Iron Andirrons
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair Early 20th Century Federal Brass and Iron Andirrons. Measuring 8" in width, 18" in width and 21.5" in height. Recently repolished
Brass, Iron
American Mahogany Drop Leaf Barley Twist Work Table with Orig. Brasses, C. 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal Mahogany drop leaf three drawer work table with incised carvings, original circular foliage brasses, key hole escutcheons, ...
Brass
Miniature 4 Drawers Jewelry Letter Campaign Chest Dresser with Brass Drop Pulls
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany miniature jewelry letter miscellanies chest with brass drop pulls.
Brass
Carved Alabaster Grapes Leaf Motive Urn Shape Square Mable Base Table Lamp MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Carved Alabaster Grapes Leaf Motive Urn Shape Square Mable Base Table Lamp MINT!
Alabaster, Marble
$1,850 / set
Pair Of Federal Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
With arched backs with pierced splats with small carved rosettes. Drop in seats and raised on square tapered legs with H form stretchers.
Mahogany